Fixed blade recommendations for infantryman?

L

Lnwlf17

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Jul 3, 2017
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Looking for a fixed blade knife to serve as my go to blade in the field.

- 6-8"
- durability and dependability, given the conditions it will be exposed to (including Canadian winters)
- easily maintained and sharpened in the field
- long-term longevity (I like to buy tools ONCE and have them last years, even decades)
- minimal decor
- MOLLE sheath (not a deal breaker though)
- $250 max
- ships to Canada

Recommendations, gents?
 
Look for a CRK Green Beret or Pacific in the Exchange to hit your price point.
 
Honestly for 100 bucks a bk7 plus 40 for micarta handles for cold weather 1095 easy to field sharpen,
Tough with a great company that will stand by product and warranty.
Good bushknife with high flat sabre grind.....good egos it's not a sharpened prybar
 
You'll rarely ever use a knife that large unless busting brush in Central America or the Pacific. I'd go with something smaller unless you plan on carrying it bin your ruck. 4" blade.


The SRK's blade (mentioned above) is basically a copy of the USN Mk1 blade from WW2. It would serve you well.
 
Fallkniven A1, or if you take the advice to have a smaller knife, the F1. I am not a fan of .25" stock, but like the edge geometry of the A1 better than the CS SRK. They are also stainless, rather wholly reliant on a coating to keep corrosion at bay. Their S1 is a great length, but the handle is very narrow, good for carry, not so good for holding. These knives have a very good pedegree in the northern forests.

That is just another suggestion, the CRK knives are good and the BK7 is great. I have an old CarbonV bladed SRK and never liked it simply because the blade was ground at too obtuse an angle to cut wood or field dress small game the way I wanted. Maybe if was ground convex, like the A1 etc, it would have cut better and had more use. I just found that it acted like a semi sharp pry bar with the factory edge and I never wanted to spend the time grinding it back. Don't know what the newer ones are like

For field sharpening, get a diamond sharpener, either a Fallkniven DC4 or a DMT Duofold (green/red), they are about the lightest, fastest, most durable field sharpeners going and the flat shape maintains the blade better than a rod. With diamond or ceramic you can tackle any steel.
 
Lnwlf17 said:
Looking for a fixed blade knife to serve as my go to blade in the field.
Recommendations, gents?
Click to expand...

Don't judge a book only by its cover: I'm sure the CRKT Hissatsu might suit all your needs

ODnt0uG.jpg


- 6-8" - 7 inches
- durability and dependability, given the conditions it will be exposed to (including Canadian winters) - 440A stainless, coated, won't rust in almost any condition, insulated synthetic handle to avoid cold hands, very grippy, ideal for gloves and straight, no finger grooves or weird shapes
- easily maintained and sharpened in the field - 440 series of steel, easily sharpenable to razor sharp, or to repair if it chips or gets a flat spot (hard to do that, since they are quite tough)
- long-term longevity (I like to buy tools ONCE and have them last years, even decades) - No corrosion prone steel, one piece construction, no rivets or pins or scale to loosen, break or crack, thick blade, bendy and tough steel, not likely to chip, snap or get brittle in cold conditions
- minimal decor - straight blade, straight handle, one color, no complex guards or artistic elements, no colorful scales or writings on the blade
- MOLLE sheath (not a deal breaker though) - multi position, all directions sheath with different attachments, lanyard or webbing holes, durable tough f¡plastic and sturdy belt clip
- $250 max - 70-90$
- ships to Canada - by many dealers it is Canada approved :thumbsup:

6ceryef.jpg
 
I think a smaller blade would be better, I have read over the years from active duty troops that smaller is better for their needs, depending on what you do of course, but worth considering. +1 on the Falkniven F1. ESEE3 or 4 also come 440C stainless, and I think where I just saw where new handles can be attached to the 3 to give it a little bit longer handle length. If you can find them, the 3 came in D2. If larger, the ESEE 6 fills the bill, although in 1095.

More expensive, but I have always liked some of the knives from Martin Tactical Knives. Lastly, what about a multi tool? Let us know what you decide.
 
As a person who actually served, I would recommend lowering your budget limit to about $100 or even lower, then you won't have any second thoughts about really using your knife when needed.
Also you might consider a blade which can be mounted securely upside down on your vest for a faster and easier reach.
That's why I would choose Cold Steel SRK/Recon/Kobun.
 
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Gerber Strongarm.
Smaller than you might want but is a solid piece as far as durability and element corrosion. It's sheath is ready to go for molle carry.
Serrated or fine, coyote brown or black.
$60 or less if you shop around.
As far as the steel used see YouTube reviews. Not a super steel but the test results speak for themselves especially the gauntlet reviews.
 
I definitely recommend going smaller. You can accomplish most tasks with a knife between 3-5 inches blade length. My top 2 recommendations based off personal experience are the ESEE 3Mil or the Benchmade Adamas 375 fixed blade.
 
Cold Steel SRK was my first thought too.

I would also recommend stainless steel over a high carbon blade due to your environment. Between the snow and rain up there, ss will cut down on your maintenance some.

Another +1 for a maker here on the forum.
 
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